[ Service · 04 ]

Database Design. A data layer your future self will thank you for.

The database is the part of the product nobody sees — until it goes wrong. We design schemas that match how your business actually works, perform under real load, and stay easy to evolve as you grow.

[ What you get ]

Outcomes, not deliverables.

Schemas that match reality

We model your domain properly — relationships, lifecycles and constraints — so reports and features stay sane as you grow.

Performance under load

Indexes, query plans, caching and read replicas tuned for the queries that actually matter.

Migrations without fear

Versioned, reversible migrations. We can change a live schema without taking your business offline.

Backups & recovery

Tested backups, point-in-time restore and a documented disaster-recovery plan.

[ What's included ]

Every engagement covers the essentials.

—Domain modelling & ERDs
—Postgres / MySQL setup
—Indexing & query tuning
—Versioned migrations
—Data import / cleansing
—Read replicas & caching
—Backup & DR plan
—Reporting & analytics views

[ Tools we reach for ]

PostgreSQL
MySQL
Prisma
Redis
ClickHouse

We're pragmatic about tooling — these are sensible defaults, but we'll use what fits your team and constraints.

Typical timeline

2 – 8 weeks

Investment

from £4,000

Engagement

Audit, design or migration

Indicative figures based on previous engagements. Final scope is always agreed up front, in writing, before any work begins.

[ Good fit / Not a fit ]

Honest about when to work with us.

We'd rather turn work away than start something we're not the right team for.

A good fit for

Modelling a new product’s data layer from scratch
Slow queries, painful reports, mystery downtime
Migrating off MS Access, spreadsheets or legacy DBs
GDPR and backup posture that needs to stand up to scrutiny

Not the right fit for

Quick “just copy this CSV” one-offs (we’d send a how-to)

[ Legacy & modernisation ]

We support older estates too.

Many SMBs are still running mission-critical data on older engines and spreadsheets. We support, tune and migrate legacy data estates — without losing a row.

[ Legacy technologies we work with ]

Microsoft SQL Server
Oracle
IBM DB2
Sybase
MS Access
FoxPro
Informix
Firebird
SQLite
Excel / CSV migrations
SSIS / SSRS
Crystal Reports

Maintenance, security patching, integrations, or a phased migration to a modern stack — whatever keeps the business moving.

[ FAQs ]

Common questions.

Can you audit our existing database?: Yes. A typical audit covers schema, indexing, query performance, backups and security — with a prioritised action list.
Do you handle data migrations?: Often. Moving from spreadsheets, legacy systems or a different DB engine is a frequent first step on bigger engagements.
What about GDPR?: We design with data minimisation, encryption-at-rest and clear retention rules from day one.

[ Let's build something ]

Ready to scope database design?

Tell us about your project — we'll reply with a clear next step within one working day.

Book a call or call 01923 333 111

[ Other services ]